Trout Parks
Missouri has four trout parks with trout hatcheries on the park grounds. These parks are heavily stocked to ensure angler success. The parks host two seasons, one running from March 1 through October 31. The second season begins the second Friday of November and extends through the second Monday of February. It is a catch and release season during which fishing is allowed 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only, with the exception of Maramec Spring Park where fishing is allowed seven days a week during the catch-and-release season.
Anglers will experience good trout fishing at the trout parks during the March 1 through October 31 season due to the daily stocking of rainbow trout at a rate of 2.25 fish per tag. The daily limit is four trout with a 15" minimum length limit on brown trout. The possession limit is eight trout. All anglers must have a fishing permit unless they are 15 years of age and under or a Missouri resident 65 years of age and over. All anglers must purchase and display a daily tag while fishing. The costs are $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children age 15 and under.
A Missouri fishing permit and a trout permit are required to fish during the winter catch and release season. Only flies may be used and all trout must be released unharmed immediately following capture.
Each year the parks host special events that encourage angling as a family activity and provide novice anglers the opportunity to experience trout fishing. The events are the Free Fishing Days held the first Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday of June and the Free Kids Fishing Days.
TROUT FISHING: BAIT vs. ARTIFICIAL LURES?
Studies conducted by fisheries biologist across the country for the past 40 years, and most recently right here in Missouri, have documented that anglers can improve trout fishing just by changing what is on the end of their line. These studies have shown that trout caught and released using bait are five times more likely to die than trout caught and released using artificial lures or flies. In the trout management areas of Missouri, where minimum size limits require anglers to release sublegal size trout, the effects of bait fishing can have a detrimental effect on the fish population. Up to 80% of the sublegal size fish can die before they reach legal size of 15 or 18" in these areas.
Trout, like many other fish, use their sense of smell and taste when selecting food items. When a trout bites a food item, the scents released from the food can trigger the trout to hang onto its prey even more aggressively than if the smell and taste cues were not present. Unfortunately, this can lead to the hook penetrating very sensitive parts of the fish such as gills, esophagus, or even the heart located just under the skin in the lower rear part of the mouth.
Natural, prepared, and scented baits are often fished passively, meaning the bait is left to set on the stream or lake bottom, or suspended below a float, until the fish ingests it and begins to swim off. By this time the hook is usually deep in the fish's mouth. Because artificial lures and flies don't release scents, and because they are fished more actively by pulling them through the water, the time between biting and hooking is reduced, and the hook does not end up as deep in the trout's mouth. Therefore, if trout are to be released, their chances of survival are much greater if anglers use artificial lures or flies.
The use of artificial lures or flies when trout fishing will reduce catch and release mortality, resulting in more and larger fish for all anglers.
| Park | Fish |
|---|---|
| Bennett Spring Trout Park | Rainbow, Brown Trout |
| Maramec Spring Park | Rainbow, Brown Trout |
| Montauk State Park | Rainbow, Brown Trout |
| Roaring River State Park | Rainbow, Brown Trout |
Bennett Spring State Park (Southwest Region)
Information: (417) 532-4418 or (417) 532-7612
The 2008 trout season should be another good year with daily stockings of trout at Bennett Spring from March 1 through October 30. Anglers should keep in mind the state-wide daily limit for trout is four (4) and the possession limit is eight (8). Brown trout less than 15” in length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately. The harvest of brown trout meeting the 15” minimum length limit is subject to the statewide daily limit and possession limit for trout. In other words, you may keep up to 4 trout daily, of either species or a combination of rainbow and brown trout, as long as the brown trout are 15” or longer.
There are three fishing zones within Bennett Spring State Park. Zone 1 runs from the Hatchery Dam upstream to the end of the area. Only flies are permitted in Zone 1. Zone 2 runs from the Hatchery Dam downstream to the Whistle Bridge. Only flies and artificial lures are permitted in Zone 2. Zone 3 runs from the Whistle Bridge downstream to the Niangua River. Only soft plastic bait (unscented) and natural and scented bait are permitted in Zone 3. All flies and artificial lures are prohibited in Zone 3, even if natural bait or scent has been added.
Each year the parks host special events that encourage angling as a family activity and provide novice anglers the opportunity to experience trout fishing. The events are the Free Fishing Days held the first Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday of June and the Free Kids Fishing Days. The annual Kids’ Fishing Day will be May 3, 2008. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to come out and take advantage of the resources at Bennett Spring. Children age 15 and under will receive a free tag to fish in Bennett Spring State Park on that day. There will be a special fishing area for the children to ensure that they have a successful trip. This area will extend from the hatchery outlet in Zone 2 to the first riffle past the Suzy Hole in Zone 3. This area will be marked with signs and will be patrolled to make sure that children are the only anglers fishing there. Children need to observe the zone regulations, length limits for brown trout, and daily limits. There will be streamside volunteers to assist participants with knot tying, lure selection, and fishing advice. There will be several activities for the children to participate in, and food will be provided for that age 15 and under. The event will follow normal fishing hours for May, which are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Fishing at Bennett Spring State Park requires a valid Missouri fishing license and a daily tag from March 1 through October 31. The daily tag costs $3 for adults age 16 and older and $2 for children age 15 and younger. Daily tags are sold at the Bennett Spring Park Store where you can also obtain a Missouri fishing license.
Anglers also have the opportunity to catch-and-release trout during the winter fishing season. Bennett Spring Trout Park is open for catch-and-release fishing only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February. A trout permit is required and only flies are permitted. All fish must be released unharmed immediately.
Maramec Spring Park (Phelps Co.)(St. Louis Region)
Information: (573) 265-7801
Maramec Spring Park is unique in that it is the only trout park that is not a state park. The James Foundation administers the park while the Missouri Department of Conservation administers the trout fishery. Maramec Spring Park is home to the fifth largest spring in Missouri. Rainbow trout are stocked throughout the spring branch on a daily basis during the regular season which runs from March 1st to October 31st. Excellent fishing experiences can be expected throughout the season. During the fall spawn, anglers can expect larger rainbows and browns in the spring branch that have come up from the Meramec River. If you are new to trout park fishing or want tips to catch more trout, tutorials are available at the Hatchery office or you can download a copy online at www.mdc.mo.gov/2921
The area reserved for trout fishing (spring branch) entails approximately seven tenths of a mile and has no separate fishing zones. All baits, lures and flies as defined in Missouri regulations may be used to catch trout. A daily tag in conjunction with a fishing license is required to fish in the spring branch. The daily limit for trout is 4 and the possession limit is 8. No more than 4 trout may be caught and possessed in one day. Fishing for all species is prohibited in the park after 4 trout are in possession. No length limits apply to rainbow trout caught in the spring branch; however, all brown trout less than 15 inches must be released unharmed immediately after capture.
The “I Released a Lunker” program has been a huge success with over 60 lunkers released during the 2007 season. A lunker is defined as a trout 18 inches in length or larger. If the lunker is caught and released during the regular season, it will qualify for a lunker patch. If you catch and release a lunker in all for trout parks you qualify for the Grand Slam patch. Both types of patches may be obtained from the Hatchery Office near the entrance of the park.
The Winter Catch and Release season is open seven days a week beginning on the second Friday in November and ends the second Monday in February. The hours permitted for fishing are from 8:00am to 4:00pm each day. A trout permit is required to fish during this season. Only flies are permitted to catch and release trout. A fly is defined as an artificial lure constructed on a single point hook, using any material except soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait that is tied, glued or otherwise permanently attached. No species of fish may be possessed in the winter catch-and-release area.
The Meramec River Red Ribbon Trout Area may be accessed through the park year-round when the park is open. The area runs from the Missouri Highway 8 Bridge to Scotts Ford. Only flies and artificial lures may be used when fishing in the Red Ribbon Area, except that soft plastic baits and scented baits are specifically prohibited. These restrictions apply to all angling in this area and not just to trout fishing. The daily limit is two trout (brown, rainbow or combination). All trout less than 15 inches must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Statewide limits apply to other species. A valid trout permit is required to possess trout in this area.
Each year, Maramec Spring Park holds special events throughout the season. It all begins with the March 1st opener. Anglers can look forward to a large number of fish with some lunkers being provided. Free coffee and doughnuts to start your morning are provided by the Chamber of Commerce. Each opener is something special and a memorable fishing experience.
Kids Fishing Day in 2008 at Maramec Spring is May 17th and is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to be a part of. Youngsters 15 years of age and younger can fish for free and no parking fee will be assessed for cars with kids inside. The entire upper half of the spring branch is reserved for kids and stocked with rainbow trout throughout the day. Games, activities, “goody bags”, free hotdogs and soda, prizes and memories are just a few examples of what is in store for the youngsters during this event. The park will open at 5:30 A.M. with fishing starting at 6:30 A.M. and continuing until 8:15 P.M. Most activities and contests will run between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. If you are looking for the “can’t miss” event of the summer, then Kid’s Fishing Day is your destination.
On Saturday, September 13th, girls of all ages will have a chance to trout fish for free at Maramec Spring Park during the “Girls Gone Fishing” event. Not only are the tags free, but plenty of instruction will be offered as well. There will be a special area roped off for women only. Classes offered include fly-fishing, basic trout fishing and cooking and cleaning trout. There will also be drawings for special prizes. Fishing will start at 7:30 AM and continue until 7:15 PM. Classes will generally run from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Men are welcome to fish the rest of the park as well with the purchase of a daily tag. Bring the whole family to enjoy this event!
Other events include Free Fishing days which are June 7th and 8th. No tags or permits are needed on these days. Derby Day falls on October 25th in 2008. Free coffee, chili, contests, prizes and plenty of lunkers make for a great day.
Montauk State Park (Dent Co.) (Ozark Region)
Information: (573) 548-2585
Anglers will experience good trout fishing at Montauk during the March 1st through October 31st season due to the daily stocking of rainbow trout. The daily limit is four trout with a 15 inch minimum length limit on brown trout. The possession limit is eight trout. All fishermen must have a fishing permit unless they are 15 years of age and under or a Missouri resident 65 years of age and over. All fishermen must purchase and display a daily tag for Montauk State Park while fishing. The tags are $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids 15 and under.
The park is divided into three different zones. Montauk Lake and the section of stream below the lake raceways to the CCC Bridge is the catch-and-release area. All trout must be released unharmed immediately and no possession of trout is allowed in this area. Only flies may be used in this area.
The flies only area is from Montauk Springs down to the CCC Mill Dam on the main channel. Only flies may be used in this area.
The natural and artificial bait area includes the spring branch below the CCC Bridge and the main channel below the CCC Mill Dam to the lower park boundary.
Anglers also have the opportunity to fish during the winter catch-and-release season from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February. A fishing permit and a trout permit are required. No possession of fish is allowed. All fish must be released immediately unharmed after being caught, and only flies may be used. Fishing is only permitted upstream from the old lower water bridge just below the handicap fishing pier in the campground.
There are several fishing events through out the year. Saturday, March 1st is Opening Day of the regular trout fishing season. Saturday, March 15th is the Men’s Trout Fishing Tournament. Saturday, March 29th is the Ladies Trout Fishing Tournament. Saturday, May 3rd is the Spring Kid’s Free Fishing Day. Thursday, May 8th is the Senior Citizen’s Trout Fishing Tournament. Saturday and Sunday, June 7th and 8th are Free Fishing Days. Saturday, August 9th is the Kid’s Trout Fishing Tournament. Saturday, August 16th is the Summer’s End Kid’s Free Fishing Day. Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th is the Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Tournament. Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th is the 45th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby. Friday, November 14th is when the Catch-and-Release Trout Season opens.
We would like to encourage you to fish while at Montauk, but it is certainly not required. There are many activities and attractions to entertain non-anglers.
Roaring River State Park (Southwest Region)
Information: (417) 847-2430
Anglers can look forward to excellent fishing at Roaring River for both rainbow trout and limited numbers of brown trout. The park is divided into three zones, each with different bait or lure and creel restrictions. Zone 1 is from the hatchery to the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek; only flies, artificial lures, and soft plastic (scented or unscented) bait may be used. Zone 2 is from the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the old dam in the lower campground; only flies may be used. A portion of Zone 2, from the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the posted sign below the bridge on Highway F, is designated as catch-and-release only (trout may not be possessed and must be returned to the water unharmed immediately). This portion of Zone 2 is also designated as a multiple use area with wading and swimming allowed. Stream bank access is restricted along one bank in the lower part of Zone 2 in order to reduce ongoing erosion. Zone 3 is from the old dam in the lower campground to the park boundary (1.4 miles); flies, artificial lures, soft plastic bait, and natural or scented bait may be used. From the hatchery to the first bridge downstream from the old dam a daily tag is required. From the first bridge below the old dam to the park boundary either a daily tag or a trout permit is required. Wade fishing is allowed only in the catch-and-release area of Zone 2 and in Zone 3. Winter catch-and-release fishing is open from the first hole adjacent to the hatchery to the bridge below the old dam in the lower campground. The winter catch-and-release season will run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday through Monday from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February. During the winter catch-and-release season only flies may be used, all fish must be released unharmed immediately, and no fish may be possessed. A Missouri Fishing Permit and a Trout Permit is required to fish this season.
Roaring River State Park will host two Kids’ Fishing Days during 2008. These will be on Saturday, May 17 and Saturday, August 16. These events are free to children age 15 and younger. An area of the stream will be reserved for kids, and numerous trout will be stocked throughout the day. Volunteers will be on-hand to assist kids with rigging, baits, tackle, etc. Free classes related to fishing and the outdoors will be offered. There will be various contests and drawings for prizes as well as prizes awarded to kids who attend at least two classes during the event. Free hotdogs, chips, and soda will be available from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Downstream of the park Roaring River Conservation Area provides additional opportunity for anglers to pursue trout. The population of trout in the lower section of Roaring River below the park is about seventy trout per mile. Look for pools and current breaks such as boulders, trees/rootwads, and outside bends as these areas are where trout tend to congregate. The water is usually very shallow and clear and the trout are very wary. Light line and approaching good habitats carefully is usually necessary for success